Looking for a full tang blade and hatchet for camping and hiking?

J

JDX

Joined
Mar 2, 2014
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The other day I posted a thread about a knife replacing a hatchet. Well I got over that, and the whole batoning with a knife phase. So this question is really two questions.

A) What is a good, basic hatchet? All I have is an estwing which I don't think is much of a log splitting tool. Not looking for the best, most expensive hatchet. Rather, I'm looking for something I don't mind abusing that will get the job done. Don't know much about hatchet, or what to look for, so any help is great.

B) what a good fixed blade for outdoor tasks? I was looking at the kabar bk10, but I'm not sure. I want it to be a true full tang, where I can see the spine in the handle. Preferably not skeletonized. Again, I'm looking for something practical. That will get the job done. Budget would be about 100. Give or take.


I didn't include a lot of information because I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. Thanks for the help
 
Don't know about the hatchet since I use an estwing too. But for a budget knife that I have repeatedly batoned with (which I consider abuse), is not a full tang, and is good for wood work, The Mora Bushcraft Black. I'm on lunch but I'll post a pic later whenn I'm home. Even if you don't love that knife, you can't help but respect it.
 
As far as the hatchet, what's your budget? What do you not like about the Estwing?

Gransfors Bruks makes a good hatchet.

As far as full tang fixed blade knives: It's hard to beat Esee. Tops BOB is also an excellent knife. Both of these can be had for around $100.00
 
I dont know why you don't like skeletonized handles. It only reduces weight, it doesn't really make the knife any weaker. I would go with the Fallkniven F1, Esse 3, Tops BOB, or a Becker BK17 in that price range. I have the Wetterlings Wildlife Hatchet and really enjoy it. I usually pair it with a Swamp Rat RMD or a Fallkniven S1 (a bit out of your price range). Find a store that will hand pick it for you. You are likely to get a piece with better grain alignment.
 
Fisher1573 said:
Don't know about the hatchet since I use an estwing too. But for a budget knife that I have repeatedly batoned with (which I consider abuse), is not a full tang, and is good for wood work, The Mora Bushcraft Black. I'm on lunch but I'll post a pic later whenn I'm home. Even if you don't love that knife, you can't help but respect it.
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I actually own a Mora bushcraft black..but considering the rat tail tang, I didn't deem it heavy duty enough. You baton with it?
 
bluemetalchurch said:
As far as the hatchet, what's your budget? What do you not like about the Estwing?

Gransfors Bruks makes a good hatchet.

As far as full tang fixed blade knives: It's hard to beat Esee. Tops BOB is also an excellent knife. Both of these can be had for around $100.00
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Gransfors is a bit expensive. I guess my budget would be about 75. The tops Bob is about 125. I said 100 meaning max. But i prefer cheaper.
 
Ethan_Hardy said:
I dont know why you don't like skeletonized handles. It only reduces weight, it doesn't really make the knife any weaker. I would go with the Fallkniven F1, Esse 3, Tops BOB, or a Becker BK17 in that price range. I have the Wetterlings Wildlife Hatchet and really enjoy it. I usually pair it with a Swamp Rat RMD or a Fallkniven S1 (a bit out of your price range). Find a store that will hand pick it for you. You are likely to get a piece with better grain alignment.
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I've seen many skeletonized full tang knives break. Including a spyderco bushcraft. And again I'd prefer something cheaper. I don't care if I have to sharpen It more often or what not, but if I spend more than 100 on a knife, I'd be scared to use it
 
Ethan_Hardy said:
I dont know why you don't like skeletonized handles. It only reduces weight, it doesn't really make the knife any weaker. I would go with the Fallkniven F1, Esse 3, Tops BOB, or a Becker BK17 in that price range. I have the Wetterlings Wildlife Hatchet and really enjoy it. I usually pair it with a Swamp Rat RMD or a Fallkniven S1 (a bit out of your price range). Find a store that will hand pick it for you. You are likely to get a piece with better grain alignment.
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But it can't really make it stronger.

On topic. I'm not a hatchet or Ax guy per-say, I have a fiskar, east-wing, and old wood handled one that have seen some use. I mostly baton with a large fixed blade for fire prep.

Despite some of the skeletonized handles (you should be just fine and they have a great warranty) the BKT line is where your budget is putting you. Pick one you like in the size you want. Esee would be nice, the 3 or 4 are in your range but they aren't the ones I use. I use the 6 and Junglas most. Then again if you are going to process wood with the hatchet you don't need a big knife so the 3 would be nice.
 
I dunno. Seems an Estwing and a Mora will do just fine. Give them a try.

As far as tangs go, the only ones I've seen break through what was said to be "normal use" were ones with issues from the manufacturing process. Full tang is no longer something I look for in knives. But, nothing wrong with wanting extra insurance if you don't mind the weight penalty.

Edit: If you go full tang maybe consider a saw instead of a hatchet. I don't use hatchets anymore personally. Unless it's car camping.
 
Hatchet=Husqvarna Hatchet. I think its the best going value in hatchets. $44

Knife=I don't feel comfortable recommending one that fits in your budget after the hatchet money. You did say $100, right? Total of $100 for both?

Some may suggest Condor knives, but they are on my do not buy list.

You might find a used ESEE 3 or 4 that might fit your budget.
 
Mr. Tettnanger said:
Some may suggest Condor knives, but they are on my do not buy list.
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A lot of people like them. I'm not one. Decent budget knife but I like my knives a little more refined and you can get that with mora. The Condors I've had were all pretty rough.
 
JDX said:
The other day I posted a thread about a knife replacing a hatchet. Well I got over that, and the whole batoning with a knife phase. So this question is really two questions.

A) What is a good, basic hatchet? All I have is an estwing which I don't think is much of a log splitting tool. Not looking for the best, most expensive hatchet. Rather, I'm looking for something I don't mind abusing that will get the job done. Don't know much about hatchet, or what to look for, so any help is great.

B) what a good fixed blade for outdoor tasks? I was looking at the kabar bk10, but I'm not sure. I want it to be a true full tang, where I can see the spine in the handle. Preferably not skeletonized. Again, I'm looking for something practical. That will get the job done. Budget would be about 100. Give or take.


I didn't include a lot of information because I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. Thanks for the help
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I know this forum tends to revolve around what is most expensive or latest out of space metal........but for $13 you could order an Mtech 086.......7", 1/4 " thick....tough as nails and an excellent tool for banging, battoning and general destructive behavior that would cause you emotional pain with a nice BK! I'm enjoying mine and it cost less than the shipping on the BK I was looking at.;)
 
Shotgun said:
A lot of people like them. I'm not one. Decent budget knife but I like my knives a little more refined and you can get that with mora. The Condors I've had were all pretty rough.
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I agree!

I'd get the Husky hatchet and spend the rest on a few Mora Robust HQ's and call it done until I figured out what I really want a knife and hatchet/axe to do.
 
With a hatchet, u pretty much get what you pay for. I've used most and have now for the last 2yrs been using the roselli ax and love it. It's a bit over $100 but find it to be phenomenal and wouldn't want to use anything else given the choice.

For the fixed blade I recommend a Fallkniven. S1, F 1 are great and the F1 can be had in 3G steel which is phenomenal. Also there are other models while more money you definitely are getting a custom quality knife in a production model. They are quality stuff that will last u forever. Have a look.

There are many, many choices out there and lots are high quality. It all comes down to what appeals to you. Best of luck and happy hunting down your tools
 
I know many knives can handle batoning in a pinch but I prefer carrying a small axe or hatchet also for those tasks. I have a couple Gransfors Bruks which are my go to but I know out of your price point from your post.

I also have Estwings that work just fine for camp chores ... the two I have one is a 16" handled axe and one is called a Fireside Friend , its an actual splitting maul just in a shorter handled version and I believe Estwing makes a 26" axe if you prefer a bit more handle, all the Estwings run between $30.00 and $45.00 I think. I've personally never owned one but my buddy swears by his Fiskars chopping axe I think around a 24" handle on that.

As far as the knives I own and use more then anything else for camp chores backpacking etc. Esee 3 and an Esee 4 Id also look at the Beckers for a good sturdy knife. I own a Mora and have nothing bad to say about them just my personal preference are the Esee knives.

If your total budget is around $100.00 the 26" Estwing or the Fiskars Chopping Axe and a good Mora would fit in that range together and I think handle most anything you want to throw at them.
 
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JDX said:
Gransfors is a bit expensive. I guess my budget would be about 75. The tops Bob is about 125. I said 100 meaning max. But i prefer cheaper.
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Yes, the Gransfors is a expensive. That's why I was curious about your budget. I think the Estwing is probably the best bang for your buck.

You can get the BOB for $105 most places and cheaper sometimes. But if you would prefer a knife that's less expensive I'm not sure you're going to find a better knife than the Becker.

Edit to add:

You could always go with Condor.
 
JDX said:
I actually own a Mora bushcraft black..but considering the rat tail tang, I didn't deem it heavy duty enough. You baton with it?
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You can baton the hell out of some of these blades, especially the heavy duty versions like the Hultafors GK ($12 shipped), but it sounds like you want big and bad. Watch the exchanges for an ESEE 5. One just sold on another forum for $105 like new condition. You won't break it unless you try really hard and use tools. Good luck.
 
My combo is the Fiskars 14inch Hatchet and Mora BC black.

Using the Fiskars for over 10years on camp and backyard digging rock/tree roots etc.
All the coating wore off and some minors chips but still sharp.
 
I like to think that you can get away more with lesser quality hatchet than you could with a knife or ax. Many times a hatchet is used as a hammer anyways, it's meant to be beat up.
I own a $20 woodings verona myself and it's lasted 5+ years. The handle is still solid and the blade has only 1, 2mm chip.

Ethan_Hardy said:
I dont know why you don't like skeletonized handles. It only reduces weight, it doesn't really make the knife any weaker.
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For the knife I don't believe anyone should be working a knife so hard that a properly made skeletonized handle would break. The bushcraft black you have is much weaker than most skeletonized knives, but even so, it can do everything you'd need it to as long as you keep in mind the weak points of the design.
JDX said:
I've seen many skeletonized full tang knives break. Including a spyderco bushcraft. And again I'd prefer something cheaper. I don't care if I have to sharpen It more often or what not, but if I spend more than 100 on a knife, I'd be scared to use it
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Just look for companies with good customer service. Becker and Esee have good reputations for fixing or replacing quality issues. Just for reference, my Esee 4 has seen all kinds of batoning, prying coconuts (I will avoid ridiculous prying as much as I can, but coconuts is a great excuse to baton and pry) and ice picking. (We use solid ice blocks at work to keep the soda machine's ice bay filled. 1ft diameter cylinders of ice, a good fixed blade stabs off large chunks like nothing)

Here's an example of batoning and felling saplings, all with your Mora bushcraft black.
[video=youtube;7m7YFiePmRY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m7YFiePmRY[/video]
 
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I can't argue with the Mora. It is a great knife. I will say that the Condors can start a bit rough but they clean up pretty good. For the price they provide a good, full tang knife that can be brought to razor sharp and will hold an edge ok. We are talking budget here.
Condor also makes hatchet for under $50 that will work very good.
 
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